Today’s guest is proof that sometimes the smartest thing you can do… is disappoint your parents a little.

Pooja Mehta, founder of MAKIAJ, was raised in a traditional Indian family of doctors—with a very clear path laid out for her. Instead, she chose makeup, moved to Paris, and built what would become a global beauty brand.

But this episode isn’t just about beauty—it’s about identity, confidence, and learning how to be seen.

From struggling with self-worth and not feeling “beautiful enough,” to becoming the woman behind one of the most talked-about beauty lighting brands, Pooja shares the mindset shifts that changed everything—especially one pivotal moment in 2020 that redefined how she approached success, community, and growth.

We also get into the real behind-the-scenes of beauty: What celebrities are actually doing Why your skin will never look like Instagram And the one thing that instantly makes you look 20% better (hint: it’s not makeup)

This conversation is honest, funny, and full of those “oh wow” moments that make you rethink everything you thought you knew about success—and yourself.

What You’ll Learn

• Why “community over competition” is the ultimate growth strategy
• The mindset shift that changed Pooja’s business (and life) in 2020
• How lighting—not makeup—is the real beauty secret
• Why being a “jack of all trades” is actually a competitive advantage in 2026
• The truth about celebrity beauty (spoiler: it’s not just makeup)
• How motherhood can make you a better business owner
• What social media gets completely wrong about “perfect skin”
• The one thing Pooja learned too late—and wishes she knew 15 years ago

Beauty Takeaways (You’ll Actually Use)

• Invest in good lighting before more makeup
• Focus on skin first—it’s most of your face
• Lash curler + mascara = instant lift
• You don’t need 24 eyeshadow shades (you really don’t)
• The “clean girl” look = polished, not product-free

The “Learned Too Late” Moment

Pooja shares that the biggest lesson she learned too late:

Not to treat other people’s opinions as truth.

Most of the time, we already know the answer—we’re just not ready to trust ourselves yet.

Follow & Shop Pooja Mehta

Founder: Pooja Mehta Brand: Makiaj

• Instagram: @poojahimovich / @makiajbeauty @makiajbeautylight
• Website: www.makiaj.com
• Shop her beauty light products - get 15% off using our link: https://www.makiaj.com/ALLYN81006

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to:

• Follow Learned Too Late
• Share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder to trust themselves
• Leave a review—it helps more than you know

And remember… sometimes the thing you learn too late is the thing that changes everything.

Breast augmentation might be one of the most talked-about procedures in the world—but somehow they’re still wildly misunderstood.

On this episode of Learned Too Late, Allyn sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Anne Peled to separate fact from fiction when it comes to breast implants, reconstruction, and the myths circulating online.

From implant safety and sensation loss to the newest innovations in breast surgery, Dr. Peled shares what patients actually need to know before going under the knife—and why the right surgeon and the right questions can make all the difference.

We also talk about something that isn’t discussed nearly enough: how breast surgery affects sensation, intimacy, and quality of life—and why patients deserve better information before making decisions about their bodies.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?
• What is breast implant illness—and is it real?
• Can implants rupture or “pop”?
• What is capsular contracture?
• Are smaller, more natural augmentations the new trend?

This episode answers all of that and more.

In This Episode

The “Breast Mafia” origin story Dr. Peled comes from a literal family of breast specialists—both of her parents are breast oncologists, and even her sister works in the field. Her career blends cosmetic surgery with breast cancer reconstruction.

Why board certification matters Not all surgeons performing cosmetic procedures have the same training. Dr. Peled explains why patients should always seek a board-certified plastic surgeon and how to spot red flags.

The biggest myths about breast implants Contrary to popular belief, modern implants don’t need automatic replacement every decade. Many implants can last 20–25 years, depending on the patient and aesthetic goals.

Breast implant illness & safety concerns While symptoms attributed to breast implant illness are real for some patients, large-scale data continues to support the safety of modern implants.

What capsular contracture actually is Your body naturally forms a capsule around any implant. Problems occur when that capsule becomes overly tight or inflamed, potentially causing pain or distortion.

Why sensation loss matters more than people realize Many mastectomy patients experience numbness after surgery because nerves are cut during the procedure. New techniques aim to preserve or reconstruct those nerves to restore sensation.

The future of breast augmentation From minimally invasive augmentation techniques to fat transfer and bioengineered breast tissue, the field is evolving rapidly.

A surprising trend in cosmetic surgery Patients are increasingly requesting smaller, more natural-looking augmentations rather than the oversized implants popular in past decades.

Connect with Dr. Anne Peled

You can learn more about Dr. Peled’s work in breast reconstruction, sensation-preserving mastectomy, and cosmetic breast surgery online: https://annepeledmd.com/

Follow & Listen to Learned Too Late

Website: https://allynrose.com Instagram: @allynrose / @learnedtoolatepodcast

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

In this solo episode of Learned Too Late, I’m doing something wildly uncomfortable: hitting record without a plan, without the polish, and without the usual “armor.”

Because here’s the truth—I’ve spent a lot of my life waiting for things to be perfect before putting them out into the world. And it’s cost me time, opportunities, and honestly… a lot of joy.

Inspired by my conversation with Taylor Capuano (founder of Cakes Body), this episode is a real-time exercise in doing it anyway.

We’re talking about:

• Why perfectionism is often just fear in a better outfit
• The “armor” of polish—and why it works (but isn’t the whole story)
• How imposter syndrome never really goes away (even when you “make it”)
• The myth that there’s a moment you finally become a “real adult”
• Why you might feel behind—and why you’re not
• The opportunities we miss when we wait for the perfect idea, timing, or setup
• And the mindset shift that finally got me to start this podcast

I also share a candid look at my own life—from feeling like the offbeat kid trying to fit in, to competing in pageants, to building The Previvor, to navigating motherhood and identity.

This episode is messy. It’s unfiltered. It’s a little bit of rejection therapy.

But more than anything, it’s a reminder that the people doing the things you dream about aren’t more special than you—they just started.

So if you’ve been sitting on an idea, a business, a project, or a version of yourself you’re too scared to try…

This is your sign.

Just do the thing.

Key Takeaways

• Perfection is often a socially acceptable form of procrastination
• Confidence is a learned skill—not a personality trait
• There is no magical moment where you “arrive” as an adult
• Most people you admire are figuring it out in real time
• You don’t need perfect conditions to begin—just momentum
• Trying (and failing) is still progress
• The biggest risk is never starting at all

If you’ve got an idea you’ve been sitting on—I want to hear it. DM me. Tell me what you’ve been too scared to start. And maybe we turn it into an episode.

Follow + Connect

Follow for more: @learnedtoolatepod @allynrose

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help more people learn it before it’s too late.

Starting a business often sounds glamorous — viral products, Shark Tank appearances, and overnight success stories. But the truth most founders learn (often a little too late) is that many great companies start much more simply: with an idea, a problem to solve, and the courage to just begin.

In this episode of Learned Too Late, Allyn Rose sits down with Taylor Capuano, co-founder of Cakes Body, the brand behind one of the fastest-growing products in the women’s apparel space. What began as a simple frustration with uncomfortable sports bra inserts turned into a category-defining company and the leading brand in what they now call “boob solutions.”

Taylor shares the real story behind building Cakes Body from scratch alongside her twin sister Casey — from early side-hustle experimentation to viral growth on social media, navigating copycats, and ultimately stepping into the Shark Tank.

This episode is a practical conversation for anyone who has ever had a business idea but felt overwhelmed by where to start.

In This Episode We Discuss

• The simple product frustration that sparked the idea for Cakes Body • How Taylor and her twin sister turned a side hustle into a real company • The early scrappy stages of product development and testing • Why “done is better than perfect” is often the best mindset for founders • How social media and TikTok helped Cakes gain early traction • The challenges of launching a physical product with no roadmap • How founders divide responsibilities when building a company together • Navigating competition and copycat products after going viral • The experience of pitching Cakes Body on Shark Tank • What founders should actually do first if they have a business idea

Key Takeaway

You don’t need the perfect plan to start a business. Most successful founders begin with a simple question:

“Why doesn’t this exist yet?”

From there, progress comes from testing, iterating, and being willing to take imperfect action.

About Taylor Capuano

Taylor Capuano is the co-founder of Cakes Body, a fast-growing women’s brand redefining comfort solutions for clothing. Alongside her twin sister Casey, she launched Cakes after becoming frustrated with the uncomfortable pads in workout tops. Their solution quickly grew into a viral product category, gaining a devoted customer base and national attention — including an appearance on Shark Tank.

Follow for more:

@learnedtoolatepod @allynrose @taylor_capuano_

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help others learn a little earlier in life.

What happens when a simple idea meets perfect timing?

This week on Learned Too Late, Allyn sits down with rising comedy creator Alex Sandoval—known online as Sando or Alex Sands—whose viral sketch series imagines what Seinfeld would look like if it were filmed today.

Think: iPhones, group chats, dating apps, and the uniquely modern annoyances that would absolutely drive Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer insane.

What started as a single experimental video quickly turned into a series with dozens of episodes and a rapidly growing audience. In this conversation, Alex shares the surprisingly simple idea that launched his viral moment, the ups and downs of building an audience online, and what creators should know about capitalizing on a breakthrough opportunity when it arrives.

If you’ve ever wondered how internet virality actually works—or what happens after a creator suddenly finds their audience—this episode pulls back the curtain.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Alex’s modern Seinfeld parody series first took off online
• Why nostalgia + modern internet culture is such powerful comedic fuel
• The unpredictable reality of going viral (and what happens when the algorithm stops loving you)
• The importance of continuing to create—even when views drop
• How one reposted video reignited Alex’s growth and opened the door to brand opportunities
• Why creators shouldn’t wait for validation before taking their work seriously
• The role of collaboration and bringing friends into the creative process
• How to develop a unique angle—even if your idea builds on something that already exists
• Why Alex believes the key to originality is finding the niche nobody else has explored yet The dream career path from viral creator to professional comedy writer

Alex’s Learned Too Late insight

You don’t need external validation to keep creating.

Alex shares that early in his journey, he felt he needed proof that content creation could be financially viable before committing to it fully. But over time he realized that if you genuinely enjoy creating and making people laugh, the best thing you can do is simply keep going—regardless of views, algorithms, or outside recognition. Advice for aspiring creators

According to Alex, originality often comes from observation. If you’re already consuming content online, pay attention to what exists—and then ask yourself what version hasn’t been done yet.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, find the unexplored angle and lean all the way into it.

Dream collaborations

Like many comedy writers, Alex draws inspiration from the legends who shaped the genre. Among his dream collaborators:

• Jerry Seinfeld
• Larry David
• Will Ferrell
• John Mulaney
• Steve Carell

And if the universe is listening… maybe even the writers’ room at Saturday Night Live.

Follow for more:

@learnedtoolatepod @allynrose @alexsands

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help others learn what we all wish we knew sooner.

What if your dream job didn’t exist… until you created it?

In this episode of Learned Too Late, Allyn sits down with professional speed painter Annika Wooton, an artist who has built a career performing live paintings in front of thousands of people—from sports arenas to corporate stages.

Annika’s career didn’t follow a traditional path. After discovering speed painting in high school and refining her talent through pageantry—including performing at Miss America—she eventually took the leap to pursue it full-time. Today she travels the country creating massive paintings live on stage in as little as 30 seconds to a few minutes, blending art, performance, entrepreneurship, and a little bit of “delusional optimism.”

In this conversation, Allyn and Annika dive into what it really takes to turn a creative passion into a career—from pitching yourself relentlessly to building a reputation as someone people want to work with.

They also discuss manifestation, vision boards, the power of persistence, and why sometimes believing in yourself a little too much might actually be the secret to success.

Annika shares the story behind her most meaningful piece—a speed painting of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg performed at Miss America—which later came full circle when RBG herself saw the painting.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make a living doing something unconventional, this episode proves that sometimes the best careers are the ones no one knows how to categorize.

In This Episode

• How Annika discovered speed painting and performed her first piece in high school
• Competing at Miss America with a 90-second live painting
• The moment she realized speed painting could become a real career
• The behind-the-scenes logistics of traveling with giant canvases
• How SEO and Google searches became her biggest source of bookings
• Why being easy to work with matters more than raw talent
• The role of persistence (and a little delusion) in building a dream career
• Manifestation, vision boards, and setting bold goals
• Painting for sports teams and performing in major arenas
• Her most meaningful painting honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Why unconventional careers don’t need to fit inside a LinkedIn category

Key Takeaway

Sometimes the biggest barrier between you and your dream life isn’t talent, resources, or opportunity.

It’s simply giving yourself permission to say: “Why not me?”

Upcoming appearances include performances for the Milwaukee Bucks and a live painting at Madison Square Garden.

Follow for More

@learnedtoolatepod @allynrose @annikawooton

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help others learn the lessons we all wish we’d learned sooner.

At 24, I got 10 veneers. At 37, I have… thoughts.

In this episode, Allyn Rose sits down with cosmetic dentist Dr. Jordan Davis to unpack everything I wish someone had told me before I altered my natural teeth.

Dr. Davis is known online for his honest breakdowns of celebrity veneers, “Turkey teeth,” and overly aggressive cosmetic dentistry trends. As the founder of Luca Aesthetic in Utah, he specializes in minimally invasive smile design, particularly high-end composite bonding.

We discuss:

• Why veneers are not reversible
• The difference between porcelain veneers and composite bonding
• How much enamel is actually removed
• The real lifespan of veneers (10–20 years on average)
• Why celebrities with unlimited resources still end up with bad results
• The rise of dental tourism and its risks
• Why orthodontics should often come before cosmetic work
• The long-term financial commitment of veneers
• Why dentistry is shifting toward less invasive techniques
• His own “Learned Too Late” moment about business, passion, and fulfillment

If you’re in your 20s considering veneers… If you’re in your 30s replacing them… Or if you’re simply wondering why everyone on Instagram suddenly looks like they’re storing Chiclets behind their lips…

This one’s for you.

Follow for more:

@learnedtoolatepod @allynrose @drjordandavis

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help others learn sooner.

What does it actually take to run for office?

In this episode of Learned Too Late, former Miss America and congressional candidate Mallory Hagan breaks down the real, behind-the-scenes mechanics of running a political campaign — from exploratory committees and fundraising to voter outreach and campaign infrastructure.

Mallory shares her journey from moving to New York at 19 with $1,000, to winning Miss America 2013, to running for Congress in Alabama — twice.

We discuss:

• How to run for office (step-by-step)
• Filing to get on the ballot
• Building a campaign team
• How political fundraising actually works
• What campaign managers do
• Field operations, voter data, and turnout strategy
• The cost of running as a Democrat in a red state
• Losing an election without losing purpose
• Encouraging young people and women to enter politics
• Why local elections matter more than you think
• Voter registration and civic engagement
• The emotional and personal toll of a campaign
• Learning to say no after years of people-pleasing

Mallory also opens up about:

• The anger and resilience that come with losing
• The realities of party infrastructure in Alabama
• Encouraging women to run for office
• What she learned too late about boundaries and self-worth

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “How do I run for Congress?”
• “How much does it cost to run a political campaign?”
• “What does a campaign actually look like day-to-day?”
• “Can I run for office without a political background?”

This episode answers it.

Because democracy isn’t a spectator sport.

Register to vote. Support local candidates. And if you don’t like who represents you — consider becoming the candidate.

Follow for more: @learnedtoolatepod @allynrose @itsmalloryhagan

New episodes weekly. Follow, rate, and review to help more people learn it before it’s too late.